Día de los inocentes

the three days following Christmas have a special festive importance in new mexico: st. Stephen, st. john, and the día de los inocentes (Holy Innocents) which is roughly equivalent to April Fool’s Day. This feast is also celebrated in a similar way in other parts of the united states, particularly in texas. It is better not to lend anything on that day, because it may not be returned, or to take seriously any special message or call; people might have a good laugh at you saying: “¡Dios te bendiga por inocente!” or “¡inocente palomita que te dejas engaÑar!” (“God bless you for being so innocent!” or “innocent little dove so easily deceived!”). to regain possession of something “innocently” lent on that day, the owner may be required to perform some imposed “penance,” such as the recitation of a prayer or the performance of some good work.